[fermatakid]

Body dysphoria is no fun at all. It is hard to deal with. Obviously, you know that. I understand how you feel about the binding, too. I like the way my chest looks when I bind, but I hate the constant reminder (the feeling of the binder tight against my skin) that I am binding.

One way I have learned to deal with dysphoria is by thinking about my body the way I want it to be, and pretending it is that way. I know, that probably doesn't seem helpful, but I've been thinking like that for years and I have actually convinced myself that I do have this or that and that I don't have this or that, etc. The truth is, I have a man's body, regardless of whether it is that of a stereotypical male. Maybe it seems that I was born into the wrong body, but I am a man, and therefore, this is a man's body. It may not be like other people's bodies, but it is a man's body, nonetheless.

Are you in any sort of therapy or counseling? I highly suggest it, if you are not. Preferably a gender therapist who knows what they are talking about. Another suggestion I have to offer is the internet, which you obviously already use, but there are good sites on LiveJournal and Tumblr that are helpful. If you have friends or family that you can talk to, that is always helpful. YouTube is an awesome resource, too.

When it comes to the issue of "passing" (I hate that word), what are you trying to pass as? You are a man, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Are you trying to "pass" as the stereotype of the male gender norms? For me, personally, being trans has always been about breaking gender norms and stereotypes. Don't focus on "passing;" just be yourself, and be comfortable with yourself, and that confidence will be sensed by others.